Social Security in West Africa: Bagudu Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation
Social security in West Africa must be strengthened through deeper regional cooperation and improved communication frameworks, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Bagudu made this call while speaking at the 2026 West Africa Technical Seminar organised by the International Social Security Association (ISSA), hosted in partnership with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
Why Social Security in West Africa Needs Urgent Reform
The minister noted that countries across the region face similar socio-economic challenges, making collaboration essential to improving social security in West Africa.
According to him, coordinated policies and stronger institutional alignment will help expand protection coverage and improve welfare outcomes for millions of citizens.
“Shared challenges across West Africa demand unified solutions. We must strengthen how we communicate and collaborate to improve social security systems,” Bagudu said.
Nigeria’s Efforts to Improve Social Security Systems
Bagudu revealed that Nigeria has already begun implementing key reforms to improve social security in West Africa’s largest economy.
These include:
- Pension restructuring initiatives
- Targeted cash transfer programmes
- Broader macroeconomic reforms to stabilise growth
He explained that these measures are designed to enhance efficiency and ensure that social protection systems reach vulnerable and low-income populations.
Renewed Hope Plan to Boost Grassroots Development
The minister also highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a major step toward strengthening social security in West Africa.
The plan focuses on:
- Mapping economic activities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards
- Improving service delivery at the grassroots level
- Enhancing productivity and accountability
Bagudu stressed that decentralised governance is critical to ensuring that social protection programmes are effective and inclusive.
The Role of Communication in Social Security in West Africa
Bagudu emphasised that communication plays a vital role in improving social security in West Africa.
He noted that social security systems have evolved from informal support structures to more organised frameworks, making it essential for governments to adopt modern communication tools.
“Platforms like this seminar allow us to share experiences, adopt best practices, and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.
Collaboration Key to Expanding Social Protection
The minister urged West African countries to deepen knowledge exchange and harmonise strategies where possible.
He added that while governance systems may differ, collaboration can significantly strengthen social security in West Africa.
“We must ensure that hardworking Nigerians—farmers, traders, and artisans—receive fair rewards. Strengthening ward-level systems will improve accountability and effectiveness,” Bagudu added.
Final Take on Social Security in West Africa
As economic pressures continue across the region, experts believe that improving social security in West Africa will require sustained collaboration, stronger data systems, and community-level governance.
Bagudu concluded that only a unified and forward-thinking approach can build inclusive, efficient, and future-ready social protection systems across the sub-region.
✍️ Credit
Source: Progress Godfrey
